Convertible luncheon-case and table for automobiles.



W. SGHWEITZER & H. H. LABADIE.

H. n LABADIE, ADMINISTRATOR or w. SGHWEITZEE, nno'n. CONVERTIBLE LUNCHEON CASE AND TABLE FOR AUTOMOBILES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 11, 1914.

Patented Dec. 22. 1914.

I 10: ag 3 40/ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM SCHWEITZER, DECEASED, LATE OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, BY HARRY HAMILTON LABADIE, ADMINISTRATOR, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AND HARRY HAMILTON LABADIE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

CONVERTIBLE LUNCHEON-CASE AND TABLE FOR AUTOMOBILES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 22, 1914.

Original application filed July 21, 1913, Serial No. 780,221. Divided and this application filed May 11, 1914. Serial No. 837,960.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that \VILLIAM SCHWEITZER, deceased, late a citizen of the United States and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, and HARRY HAM- ILTON LABADIE, a citizen of the .United States, and a resident of the city of Chicago, in the county of Cook, and State of Illinois, have jointly invented certain new and useful Improvements in Convertible Luncheon- Cases and Tables for Automobiles; and it is hereby declared that the following description of the said invention, taken in connec tion with the accompanying sheet of drawings, forms a full, clear, and exact specification, which will enable others skilled in the art to which the said invention appertains to make and use the same.

This invention has general reference to improvements in a convertible luncheon case and table for automobiles, and it consists, essentially, in the novel and peculiar combination of parts and details of construction, as hereinafter first fully set forth and described, and then pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings already referred to, which serve to illustrate said invention more fully, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the convertible luncheon case and table. Fig. 2 is a vertical, transverse section at line 22 of Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of a fragment of the case, and Fig. 4 is a horizontal plan section on a reduced scale in line 44 of Fig. 2.

Like parts are designated by corresponding characters of reference in all the figures of the drawings.

This invention is a division of a co-pending application filed July 21, 1913, Serial No. 780,221, and comprises a preferably rec tangular case, of which the table top proper is the cover, within which case are provided outwardly movable trays; to the upper longitudinal edge of the outermost of which is hinged the table top proper. These trays are adapted for the reception of eatables of various kinds, and may possess compartments to prevent the mixing together of the variety of foodstuffs contained therein. Said trays do not occupy the entire interior of the case, there being room beyond either end thereof and the case end walls, and between the trays and back of the case for bottles and flasks of various description, and, also, for the necessary dishes required.

Another feature of said invention is the provision of simple means for converting the table top into the cover of the case, in which event the same presents an appearance similar to an ordinary suit case.

Reference is now made to the drawings in which B is the combined table and lunch case, comprising the upper and lower walls 1 and 2, the end walls 3 and 4, the rear wall 5, and a low front wall 6 whereby a rectangular opening 7 the full length of the case is provided in the front of the same. Surrounding this opening and fixed to walls 134 and 6 there is a continuous sheet metallic strip 8, the free edges of which are of a height the thickness of front Wall 6, and the purpose of which is to stiffen the edges of opening 7 and to provide shoulders or rabbets 9 against which the table top or cover T may rest when in collapsed or closed position. The upper wall 1 of case B is sloped at an obtuse angle with respect to rear wall 5, the degree of which is such that when the case is applied to a car of normal dimensions, the top wall 1 will be in a horizontal plane at a height equaling the height of the back of the front seat of the car. Said top 1 performs the functions of a table for the occupants of the front seat of the car and is intended to always lie in a horizontal plane, no matter to what make of car the case is applied; the adjusting devices for which are claimed in parent application Serial No. 780,221.

Fixed in the interior of case B to walls 2 and 6 and stiffened by angles 11 and 12 are partitions 13 and 14, of a height equaling that of wall 6, said partions being possessed of a common back wall 15, forming a compartment for the reception of foodstuffs and the like. The space 50 between wall 15 and rear case Wall 5 is intended for knives, forks, spoons, and similar table ware. The partition walls 13 and 14 are disposed about the longitudinal center of case B so as to produce compartments l6 and 17, Fig. 4 on either side thereof for bottles or flasks con taining liquid refreshment, sauces, or other similar goods.

Resting upon the upper edges of walls 13-14 and 16 is a tray 16*, and, in turn,

resting upon the latter a similar tray 17*, the upper edge of which is sloped to meet the slope of the case top 1. These trays are connected at their opposite ends to partitions 13 and 14 by a pair of lazy tongs 18 and 19. It is now to be remarked that we do not limit ourselves to two trays, as more may be employed if desired. The operation of this mechanism is so well known that a further description thereof is unnecessary. Suffice it to say that when swung outwardly, the inner edges of the bottom of tray 16 rests upon the upper edge of wall 6 While the inner edge of the bottom of tray 17 rests upon the upper outer edge of tray 16, in which position free access may be had to the interior of trays 16 and 17 and also to the compartment within the case B formed by the walls 613-14 and 15. The entire interior of the case is likewise accessible in an evident manner. When said trays 16 and 17 are swung inwardly, they are superimposed upon each other and the sloping top edges of tray 17 neatly fit under the sloping top wall 1 of the case, thereby preventing any rattling or vibrations while on tour.

Hingedly attached to the upper, outer edge of tray 17 by hinges 20 is a table top or cover T, the size of which is such as to neatly fit in opening 7 of the case B and impinge against the rabbets 9 formed by the surrounding sheet metallic strip 8.

Fixed to the opposite ends of tray 17 a short distance from the lower, outer edges thereof, are metallic plates 21, to which are pivoted one end of inner toggle links 22. Underneath table top or cover 7 are fixed brackets 23 having arcuate slots 24:. Into these slots are fitted bolts 25, which bolts are provided with thumb nuts 25 Embracing these bolts between brackets 23 and nuts 23, and pivotally mounted thereon, are toggle outer links 26, which links and links 22 are connected together in pairs by hinged joints 27; stops 28 and 29 on said links being provided to establish toggle locks in a manner easily comprehended. The purpose of the arcuate slots 24 in brackets 23 under table top or cover T is to afford ample adjustment whereby said table top may be arranged in a horizontal plane after our de vice has been applied to a car. Located upon the opposite ends of tray 17 are stops 30 against which links 22 abut when the table top is dropped into a perpendicular position as clearly seen in Fig. 2.

In many cars of standard type, the back of the front seats are provided with robe rails; necessary accessories which would preh whereby upward and outward movement vent the application of our invention. For this reason we provide the case B with a U- shaped tubular member 30 the legs 31 and 32 of which are pivoted in the sides 3 and 4 of the case near the upper end thereofa Said legs have inwardly pointing projections 33 and 34 adapted to engage the front of the case B as seen in Fig. 2, so as to maintain the member 30 in a position a short distance from the cover T to form a robe rail when the table top or cover T is in closed position. Said member 3O when oscillated into a vertical position forms a handle by means of which the device may be carried. If desired the inwardly pointing projections 33 and 34 may be dispensed With, thereby permitting the member 30 to lie in close contact with the table top T when the same is collapsed, so that robes, dusters, coats or other goods may be retained in fixed position by the pinch created between said member 30 and cover or top T.

\Ve may now describe the manipulation of the device, it being assumed that the same hais been properly installed in an automobi e.

The table top or cover T has a leather finger tab 35 at its longitudinal free edge. This tab is grasped in the fingers and an outward and upward pull exerted, upon which the trays 16 and 17" will gradually move outwardly because of the lazy tongs 18 and 19 and the top T swing upwardly about its hinges 20 into a more or less horizontal position; when which position is reached the toggle links 22 and 26 will automatically drop into lock thereby maintaining the said table top in position for use. If the table top does not assume a horizontal position, thumb screws 25 are slacked off and the top raised or lowered as the case may be, after which said thumb screws are retightened.

When it is necessary to retreat the parts into the case B, all that is necessary is to apply a slight pressure at the toggle joints 27 to break the toggle lock and permit top T to assume a depending position, after which a slight extra pressure will retreat the trays 16 and 17 into the case.

While herein has been disclosed the preferred mode of practising the above invention, it is to be understood that changes and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the same.

Having thus fully described the invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States 1. In an article of the class described, a case having an interior and an opening thereinto, supports Within said case, a plurality of superimposed trays supported by said supports, means including lazy tongs connected to said supports and to said trays through said opening may be imparted to said trays, a cover for said case hingedly connected to the uppermost and outermost edge of the uppermost of said trays and adjustable and collapsible means connecting said cover and said last named tray to maintain said cover in angular relationship to one of the sides of said last named tray, said cover when collapsed being adapted to close said opening after said trays are retreated into said case.

2. In an article of the class described, a case having an interior and an opening thereinto, supports within said case, a plurality of superimposed trays supported by said supports, means including lazy tongs connected to said supports and to said trays whereby upward and outward movement through said opening may be imparted to said trays, a cover for said case hingedly connected to the uppermost and outermost edge of the outermost of said trays and collapsible means connecting said cover and said last named tray to maintain said cover in angular relationship to one of the sides of said last named tray, said cover when collapsed being adapted to close said opening after said trays are retreated into said case.

In combination, a vertically disposed case having an opening in the front thereof, a series of superimposed trays normally within said case, means including lazy tongs pivotally fixed within said case and to said trays, a cover hinged to one of said trays, and means maintaining said cover in angular relationship to said tray.

4. In combination, a vertically disposed case having an opening in the front thereof, a series of superimposed trays normally within said case, means including lazy tongs pivotally fixed within said case and to said trays, a cover hinged to one of said trays, and means maintaining said cover in angular relationship to said tray, said means being adapted to vary said angular relationship.

5. In combination, a vertically disposed case having a series of superimposed, connected, outwardly and upwardly extensible trays therein, a co. er pivotally attached to the uppermost of said trays, and toggle links pivotally fixed to said tray and connected to said cover to maintain said cover in angular relationship therewith.

6. In combination, a vertically disposed case having a series of superimposed, connected, outwardly and upwardly extensible trays therein, a cover pivotally attached to the uppermost of said trays, toggle links pivotally fixed to said tray, and means connecting the free end of said cover and said toggle links, whereby said cover is maintained in variable, angular relationship therewith.

7. A case having a plurality of outwardly and upwardly extensible trays therein, means including lazy tongs and the like pivotally fixed within said case and to said trays, a cover hingedly attached to one of said trays, and toggle links adjustably connected to said cover and pivoted to one of said trays.

8. The combination of an open case having a plurality of outwardly movable trays therein, of a cover for said case pivotally connected to one of said trays, and means maintaining said cover in variable angular relationship to that tray.

9. The combination of an open ease having a plurality of outwardly movable superimposed trays thercin, of a cover for said case pivotally attached to one of said trays, and co-acting means on that tray and cover maintaining said cover in angular relationship to said tray.

10. The combination with an open case having an interior, of a cover independent of but adapted to close said case, there being movable members within said case, said cover being pivotally connected along its inner edge to one of said members, and adapted to be partially rotated, so as to projectbeyond said member, and having its outer edge supported by means in connection with that member thereof.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand as administrator of the estate of .VILLIAM Sonwnrrznn, deceased, and for myself in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM SCHWEITZER,

By HARRY HAMILTON LABADIE,

Administrator. HARRY HAMILTON LABADIE.

In presence of- S. N. MOON, L. M. JUDD.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of latents. Washington, D. G. 

